TRF Grant Management & Stewardship Seminar

Last October, I wrote an article for our Balita in which I discussed the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), the collaborative initiative recommended for both new members and strongly encouraged for all persons who seek or hold office in Rotary Clubs around the world. It's a cooperative program and standard curriculum shared throughout 85% of Rotary's districts worldwide. Our Regional Chair for South East Asia is no less than RIPR Hoe-Beng Fong from Singapore, while PDG Ed Tumangan leads the program in the Philippines. As you may recall, the program is divided into three modules of six sessions each. Accordingly, individuals need to attend three times to complete the certification. Last Saturday, April 18th, yours truly "graduated," completing the third module.

Like several recent RLI seminars, attendees and facilitators gathered at the Aloha Hotel in Malate for the seminar, hosted once again by RC Ermita. Following the standard meeting opening protocols (call to order, invocation, national anthem, introductions, welcome, and overview), we transited to breakout rooms for each of the three sections. Each facilitator normally leads two sessions. Course 1 has Insights into Leadership (facilitator PP Nito Siasat, RCM Sta. Ana), MyRotary (PP Arlene Velez, RCM Midtown), Engaging Members (PP Dolly Uanang, RC Pasay Centro), Rotary Foundation (PDG Karen Tamayo, RC Hiyas ng Maynila), Ethics & Vocational Service (PP Mon Banta, RC Ermita), and Service Projects (PP Cris Querubin, RCM 101). Course 2 has Strategic Planning & Analysis 1 & 2 (Genevieve Gandia, RC Manila Bay), Team Building (PP Arlene Velez), Attracting Members (PP Dolly Uanang), Club Communications (PP Elma Lagamson, RC Pasay Maharlika), and Targeted Service (PDG Karen Tamayo). The third course has International Service (PP Elma Lagamson), Vocational Service and Expectations (PP Leah Banta, RC Ermita), Effective Leadership Strategies (PP Genevieve Gandia), Rotary Opportunities (PP Nito Siasat), Public Image and PR (PP Relly Fajardo, RC Chinatown Circle), and Making a Difference (RLI Chair and PDG Ed Tumangan).

Gov. Mond Aguilar would normally provide a concluding message, but he was out of town on Rotary business, so SDG Edwin Chua performed the honors. PDG's Ed and Karen presided over the closing ceremonies, including traditional certificates for all, and special lapel pins for graduates, accompanied by a toast offered by PP Mon (yes, I had them substitute green tea for me instead of the wine). I was surprised to be awarded "Valedictorian" of my class, and accepted the challenge presented to all of the completers to undertake the additional training to become a member of the RLI faculty for future seminars.

By resolution of RCM's Board, ALL NEW MEMBERS OF RCM MUST ATTEND RLI WITHIN THEIR FIRST YEAR OF MEMBERSHIP (Resolution 13, dated 9/19/2013). Furthermore, MEMBERS OF OUR BOARD WHO HAVE NOT ATTENDED RLI ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AND COMPLETE the three modules. This coming Rotary year, our own PP and DGE Obet has declared that part of the governor's "Presidential Awards Challenge" is to assure that every club has continuous enrollment and successful completers. We really need to support PE Ebot and DGE Obet, and we actually must follow the board resolution. So, if you're a new member or a board member, or seek to become a board member, it is in fact mandatory for you to enroll.

Per RCM Board advisory, we have asked the Secretariat to publicize all future trainings in the Balita so that all may be aware of the opportunities. Please advise them of your intention to participate. If you wish to research Rotary Leadership Institute for more information online, a good starting place is: http://www.rotaryleadershipinstitute.org/.